Chapter 20

"Where's Aria?" Keira asked after the sun went down. I haven't seen her since this morning.

"I saw her earlier reading a book," Fiona said as she stretched, getting up from a nap.

"I didn't even have a chance to tell her about us leaving tonight."

"I'd suggest she can nap in the carriage, but I'm not great at riding a horse... and I've never used reins either. Give me a moment; I'll try to find her. Let's hope being underground doesn't hinder me too much." Fiona closed her eyes, a light green glow surrounding her as she focused on Aria's magical signature.

She frowned. "I can't seem to find her." She took a deep breath. "Wait... I think she's above, probably in the castle."

"You said you saw her with a book earlier, right?"

Fiona nodded.

"I know where she is. Gather Aki and Rui in the main lobby, and bring your things with you." Keira gestured toward Fiona's nightstand with her head, to the beaded bracelet with symbols on each one.

"You're not going to tell me to leave it behind?"

"No? It's small enough, and who knows, maybe it'll bring us some much-needed luck."

"Luck? Is that what the symbols are for?" Fiona picked up the bracelet. "I don't even recognize the symbols..." She glided her finger along them in wonder.

"Didn't ask the seller?"

"Nope, just thought it was pretty."

"Well... you have a good eye." Or something like that.

"You think so? Thanks." Fiona smiled at her and put the bracelet on.

Where'd that even come from? Keira shook her head and left for the library.

Several people bowed to her in thanks as she passed by.

Why are they thanking me? Malik, Rui, and Aki are the ones who fixed things.

She nodded to them, continuing on her way.

Inside the library, Noi and Lee were both reading at the table, and Aria was sitting in the back with a book in her hand.

"Aria, it's time to leave," Keira said.

Aria glanced up at her and closed the book. "Fine, I wasn't having any luck with these, anyway." She put the gold-trimmed, weathered book back on the shelf and followed Keira out, bowing to Noi and Lee on the way.

"Gather your things and meet back here when you're ready," Keira said as they entered the main hall of the castle.

"Yeah, sure..." Aria sighed as she left.

I doubt she's ever going to like me, Wakaru, and I can't blame her.

While waiting, Keira went outside to check on Sora. "Doing okay, I hope?" Keira held an apple up for her to eat as she stroked her mane. "We're going to travel soon. Better in this nighttime breeze, though."

Neigh.

"Knew you'd like that."

She sat in the hay beside her and looked up at the darkening sky, the first stars of the night showing through.

Seems so peaceful. She took a deep breath.

"Should've just told us to meet out here." Rui sighed, looking over at her. "Found her." He waved the others over.

Keira rolled her eyes. "You knew where I'd be."

"But you didn't tell anyone. You told us to meet in the main hall, and then left said hall."

"We're coming here afterward." Keira shrugged, getting to her feet and dusting hay off. "Everyone ready to go?"

"Yup," Fiona said, carrying her bag.

"Yes, we're all ready," Malik said, grabbing everyone's attention.

"What do you mean?" Fiona asked.

"I'm coming with you."

I was afraid of that.

Fiona's jaw dropped. "You're a king! You can't leave your kingdom like that!"

"I'm not bound to stay in my kingdom, though I'm certain the others aren't happy I'm leaving without any personal bodyguards."

Rui shrugged. "Another person helping? Cool."

"B-but don't you need to stay here and keep your people safe and calm?" Aki asked. "They've only just got their seals restored and—"

"Your mission is important to keep those seals or possibly restore them fully. Besides, you seem to be lacking a lightning mage." He swirled his finger around in the air, a line of lightning following it. "And I'm the strongest I know."

"Is it just you?" Keira asked.

"Oh, you wound me... Am I not enough?" Malik held his hand over his heart.

"If we have more people, I need to know for supplies." Already filled up some more in the carriage when I had a chance earlier. I guess I could pick up a bit more...

"Is that what you meant?" Malik sighed. "No, just me, and I come with some supplies already." He patted the bag slung across his shoulder. "Enough to get to Suikara for a restocking. Or we could stop by one of the smaller towns on the way there."

"The fewer stops, the better."

"Understood, my dear."

"So you're accepting another member like that?" Aria asked.

"Yes," Keira said. "I have no reason to turn him down, since we know he has strong magic. He might come in handy. It's not like we know what we're heading into or what we'll need."

Malik turned to Aria, his head tilted to the side, his eyes sparkling. "I promise to come in handy."

"Sure you will." Aria rolled her eyes and walked up to her horse.

"I don't think she likes me all that much."

"She's like that with everyone," Fiona said. She bowed to Malik and headed to the carriage.

"I see... Not too good for morale, but I suppose you can't force it. Want me to sweet talk her? I might be able to sway her to a more... favourable disposition."

Keira's eyes narrowed. "Just leave her be. It can't be forced, and you risk making it worse."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll behave." He winked at her.

They hopped onto their horses and headed toward the front of the castle, where Noi, Lee, and a few other of his people waited to see him off.

"Be well, My Lord," Noi said as she bowed.

"Don't let them push you around." Lee gave him a thumbs-up and bowed.

Malik raised an eyebrow. "Of course, I won't. Well, maybe a little." He smirked and glanced over at Keira.

"Might want to be careful, Aki; he's trying to steal your girl," Rui whispered to him.

"B-but..." Aki's face lit up red. "She's not my girl."

"Yet." He snickered. "With the new competition, you're going to have to up your game."

"But..."

Keira glared back at them, and they both went silent.

"Oh, with just a look? Love it," Malik said as they continued out the castle gates. "Definitely an ability I admire."

She glared at him, and he smiled back.

This is going to be exhausting.

"Be on guard at all times; demons like to roam even more at night," Keira warned as they exited the city.

"Then we should've just fought the heat!" Fiona complained.

"Why don't you use your powers to sense the demons before we run into them and make yourself useful?" Aria looked back at her through the window.

"You could've suggested that in a nicer way," Malik said, keeping his horse steady on one side of Keira as Aki stayed on the other.

Aria rolled her eyes. "To what end? Coddling her is how she got this way."

"What way?" Fiona mumbled. "Is something wrong with me?"

"No," Rui said right away. "You're fine, just inexperienced."

"I suppose this is your first journey, then?" Malik glanced back at her in the carriage, and she nodded. "What a first journey to be on! You must have incredible powers to be among these people."

A faint blush formed on her cheeks as she ducked down, barely peeking out the window.

He seems to be good with people. That might come in handy, but I don't know if he can handle Aria.

Fiona sat back and clasped her hands as she closed her eyes. Green energy radiated around her and pulsed as she scanned the area.

I wonder how much that takes out of her. It might be hard to keep it up the entire time.